VooDoo OS Aaron Bailey Interview
Tim Ball
Saturday November 8, 2003
Bailey led the Cobras to victory in the 2002 playoffs over the reigning ArenaBowl champion Grand Rapids Rampage. As a five-year veteran of the NFL and three with the AFL, Bailey is no stranger to the ups and downs of professional football. His five-touchdown performance for San Jose against the Chicago Rush in week six of last season highlighted his offensive prowess, but didn’t secure the starting position.
As fate would have it, the rest of the 2003 season would find Bailey languishing on and off the injured reserve list and seeing limited action.
With former Cobras head coach Mike Neu now at the helm in New Orleans, Bailey is in good position to take off where he left off as a starter. Under Neu, Bailey holds Cobras team records in scoring (234), touchdowns (38), receptions (150) and receiving yards (2,017).
Bailey is currently training and preparing for the upcoming 2004 AFL campaign with the New Orleans Voodoo.
Tim Ball: I’ll bet five bucks you’re smiling.
Aaron Bailey: I’m smiling. You can keep your money.
TB: Having spoke with you many times last season, I know you were definitely looking for a starting position. Why New Orleans? Why an expansion team?
AB: They’re committed to fielding a good team from the start. Experience is the key. With Coach Neu and John, there will be familiar faces and a good chemistry. Look at how successful Dallas was in their first season and still are.
TB: 2002 and 2003 were big differences for you. You were the “go to guy” in Carolina and a backup in San Jose. How did you adjust?
AB: San Jose was a personal growing experience for me. I’ve been a starter at every level I’ve ever played at and now I see things from a different perspective.
TB: You found happiness on the bench?
AB: No way. But what I found is that you have to keep your attitude and willingness to help the team wherever you’re at. Because you’re gonna’ get your chance and your attitude will determine your effort.
TB: You scored five touchdowns in your first start against the Rush in week six. Is that what you mean about being prepared?
AB: Four of them were rushing touchdowns. I was at the right place at the right time. But I was prepared and also the game plan was good to me. But I was prepared when I got the call.
TB: You saw limited action the rest of the season. Were you unhappy in San Jose?
AB: No. I was on the IR for a reason and besides, there is the business side of pro sports and every player knows that side. I want to be a starter and if a player doesn’t want that then they’re in the wrong business. It’s all in the past now. I’m focused now on New Orleans. But no, I don’t have hard feelings.
TB: Does San Jose do things differently than other franchises? There are rumors and it was even discussed on air during an NBC halftime show.
AB: They take practice and on and off field attitude very seriously. They have great facilities and have an excellent training staff. I heard the rumors but the only difference I saw is that they hold the players up as professionals and treat them that way. They prepare to bring their game and put it in your face. They set a good example.
TB: What do you see as the biggest challenge for New Orleans?
AB: Don’t act like an expansion team. Study the game of Arena Football if it’s your first season, and veterans need to join with teammates and commit 100% to the New Orleans VooDoo.
TB: You mentioned that New Orleans wants to field a good team. How are they doing that?
AB: They’re building new facilities for the team as we speak. I’m in New Orleans now and our training facilities are side by side with the Saints. They are doing everything a player would want. The management is dedicated. You can’t ask for a better opportunity.
TB: How do you feel about the playoff format of only the top eight teams making it?
AB: I have no problems with that. You don’t win you go home. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.
TB: How is the talent level in the league now?
AB: Let’s face it, this league is getting young, fast, talented players for a reason. Now players are coming straight from NFL rosters. The game is fun and it’s legitimate. Ask me five or six years ago if that were true on every team and I might have answered differently.
TB: Good luck in New Orleans. That is a town with very good fans. They should eat up Arena Football.
AB: Thanks, and see you at the games.
The New Orleans VooDoo joins the Philadelphia Soul, the Austin Wranglers and the relocated Columbus Destroyers in bringing the Arena Football experience to an ever-increasing number of new fans.
Tim Ball is a writer in the Chicagoland area. Married and father of three, his opinions on Arena Football reflects the positive aspect of the game as a family event second to none in pro sports.
